Satu Creative Hasanah Impact Challenge 2024 concludes with US$118,600 grants to empower social enterprises in Malaysia

Satu Creative Services Sdn Bhd, in collaboration with Yayasan Hasanah, the Ministry of Finance (MOF), Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), and Tabung Ekonomi Gagasan Anak Sarawak (TEGAS), has concluded the Satu Creative Hasanah Impact Challenge 2024 (SCHIC2024). The initiative aimed to empower early-stage social enterprises in Malaysia by developing sustainable, scalable solutions to address key social and environmental challenges.

Focusing on four areas—Environment, Arts & Public Spaces, Education, and Community Development—the challenge brought together enterprises committed to sustainable transformation. This success highlights the collaborative efforts of Satu Creative, Yayasan Hasanah, MOF, MDEC, and TEGAS in supporting Malaysia’s social enterprise ecosystem and catalysing meaningful national change.

“It’s incredible to see social enterprises from Sarawak, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, and Kedah come together, showcasing the diverse entrepreneurial spirit of Malaysia,” said Ahmad Azuar Zainuddin, CEO of Satu Creative (pic). “This collaboration has catalysed the social enterprise movement through knowledge sharing, funding, and market validation.” He also praised the inclusivity, with Sarawak-based entrepreneurs working alongside their peers from Peninsular Malaysia, building a stronger, united ecosystem for social impact.

Participants in SCHIC2024 pitched for business grants of up to US$23,700 (RM100,000), with a total disbursement of US$118,600 (RM500,000). They also received mentorship and connected with like-minded social entrepreneurs and potential investors.

The programme, which began with an application and selection process that ran until 20 September, was followed by an intensive bootcamp for selected participants from 30 September to 1 October. It culminated in a Demo Day on 2 October, where participants showcased their innovative solutions to a selection committee and potential investors. Successful participants were awarded grant disbursements tailored to their specific needs, empowering them to accelerate growth and maximise their social impact.

Over two days, SCHIC2024 brought together a lineup of speakers who shared insights on the evolving role of social enterprises in Malaysia. Stanley Siva from Yayasan Hasanah discussed the critical role of sustainable funding in empowering these enterprises to create lasting impact, while Fadzli Hisham, representing MDEC, emphasised the importance of digital innovation and the funding opportunities available from the organisation.

John-Son Oei, founder and CEO of EPIC Homes, shared his experience in leading community-driven housing solutions for marginalised communities, emphasising the importance of an empowered team and diverse revenue streams to sustain impactful initiatives. Ambika Sangaran, COO and co-founder of MEREKA, highlighted the power of collaboration and creativity in building resilient, impact-focused organisations.

Meanwhile, Ibrahim Sani, CEO of Yayasan Peneraju, discussed how social enterprises can build and leverage partnerships to amplify their social impact, highlighting best practices for partnership development and long-term collaboration. Muhammad Ibnur Rashad and Saiful Anuar from GUILD Asia provided valuable perspectives on the importance of social impact measurement, stressing how quantifying and evaluating the impact of social enterprises is crucial in driving continuous improvement and ensuring long-term sustainability. Kim Lim, CEO and founder of PichaEats, delivered a powerful keynote titled "Empowering Communities Through Sustainable Social Enterprises: The PichaEats Journey." She shared the inspiring story of PichaEats, highlighting how the social enterprise has transformed the lives of refugee families by providing sustainable income through food. Kim underscored the significance of developing socially responsible businesses that not only contribute to economic growth but also empower marginalised communities, driving long-term social impact.

The partnership between Satu Creative, MDEC, and TEGAS underscores a shared commitment to driving innovation and social impact in Malaysia. MDEC, as the lead agency in driving the digital economy, brings its expertise in digital transformation, while TEGAS, known for its dedication to nurturing talent and entrepreneurship in Sarawak, adds significant value to the initiative. Together, these organisations aim to create a robust ecosystem that fosters the growth of social enterprises and contributes to the nation’s digital and sustainable development goals.

As SCHIC2024 draws to a close, the participating social enterprises are now better equipped and ready to advance their missions and create meaningful impact across Malaysia. With the support of Yayasan Hasanah, the Ministry of Finance, MDEC, TEGAS, and other partners, these enterprises are poised to scale their impact and create lasting, meaningful change. This initiative reaffirms the commitment to fostering a sustainable future through collaboration, innovation, and the empowerment of local communities.

The Top 10 SEs that pitched their ideas to a selection committee include:

1. ANITHINK Edutainment Sdn Bhd
   ANITHINK is a creative edutainment company offering education, animation, game, EduTech, and entertainment services, aimed at enhancing learning for all.
2. BuzzLoop
   BuzzLoop is a cleantech solution aiming to reduce plastic pollution with Malaysia’s first smart reusable technology, using NFC and QR to reward shoppers for every reuse.
3. Complement Ventures
   Complemen+ creates eco-luxury scented candles for millennials and Gen Z, using NFC chips to track carbon footprint and pairing fragrances with Spotify playlists via an algorithm.
4. Earthlings Coffee Workshop Sdn Bhd
   Earthlings aims to unite people through exceptional coffee, respecting the earth and those involved in each cup’s journey. While championing Arabica, they also elevate Malaysia’s specialty Liberica coffee, supporting indigenous farmers in Sarawak communities like Long Banga and Kampung Terringus Bong. Earthlings aspires to introduce Malaysia's high-quality coffee to the global market, honouring the rich stories from bean to brew.
5. Harapan Anak Urang Sarawak (HAUS)
   HAUS KCH is a community-led initiative in City Square, Kuching, aimed at creating a vibrant space for local creatives and entrepreneurs. As a hub, they host various events like residencies, exhibitions, and workshops, both physical and virtual, to showcase local talent and engage the community.
6. Hornbill Networks Consortium Sdn Bhd
   A construction and property development company focused on green technology and innovation to create affordable, environmentally sustainable homes. They are now embracing circular economy initiatives by using plastic waste as green building materials for their projects.
7. Opah Delitaste Enterprise
   They transform surplus from fishermen's daily catch into ready-to-eat products, preserving the taste and heritage of Sri Aman. Profits are used to support underprivileged young housewives in creating their own products, providing both fishermen and housewives with additional income.
8. Pangieh Ranee Enterprise
   PunguBorneo is a social enterprise preserving heritage through arts and crafts by supporting local artisans and indigenous communities. They offer handmade products, including jewellery, ceramics, tote bags, and traditional Sarawak recipes under Pungu Foods. Committed to social impact, PunguBorneo provides sustainable income and learning opportunities while preserving cultural expressions. They also collaborate with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) to develop heritage preservation policies.
9. Synbiozymes Sdn Bhd
   Synbiozymes uses enzymes to efficiently break down poultry waste, converting it into high-quality protein for animal feed. Their focus is on leveraging biological solutions to tackle food security and sustainability challenges.
10. Reclimate Solutions
    Reclimate enables farmers to convert waste into Biochar, an organic soil enhancer, while providing access to carbon finance. This approach scales climate action and improves food security.

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This article was first featured on Digital News Asia.